The Groundtruth from a combat veteran, backed up by independent research and historical study. Information beneficial to the Troops. And a touch of objective politics, as it relates to the subjects at hand.

This site is unabashedly Pro-American and Pro-Military however none of the views expressed here are to be considered as endorsed, proposed, or supported by the Department of Defense or any other Agency, government, public, or private. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/

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Shadow of the Sword

SSgt Workman is featured in the Hall of Heroes and a book review on this from Marine Till Death that read it as it was written: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/shadow-of-the-sword-by-jeremiah-workman-w-john-bruning.html

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/ssgt-jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-usmc-iraq-marion-oh.html and links to prior articles.

Friday, January 25, 2013

[WOTN note: Some of the following is paraphrased and some is quotes. Some of the quotes are not in quotation marks. Effort was made to capture the essence of the words, in order to allow readers to find the specific portions of most signifcant interest to them. Some key phrases are emphasized, as Hillary acknowledges that Al-Qaeda is still and will be a threat for a long time.

In this testimony, Hillary avoids stating why no action was taken in the 7 hour attack and at times refuses responsibility for inaction, while at other times proclaiming that she takes full responsibility. She does indicate that Rice was using Admin approved talking points, but feebly attempts to defend it.]

10:46: SEN Corker (R-TN) welcoming Hillary, the "aftermath" of "Benghazi represents the worst of Washington," "there was spin from the White House," "it represented of the denial of the world as it really is," "it also represents an awakening," "the spiking of the ball" and the thinking that al-Qaeda was defeated when we killed bin Laden, that the world is a much more dangerous place today.

16:46: SecState Clinton (D) pointing out past attacks, that she immediately began talking to people about talking, began investigation the next day. The attack "was a part of broader strategic challenge" to the United States. "I was there on the night of 9/11/2012." I was talking to everyone, and the military did not deny support. I was already there dealing with the attack on the US Embassy in Cairo. Everyone has been talking about things ever since, and when people stopped talking and finished writing about the talking, I told people to start writing some more about making changes. "The Arab revolutions have shattered" the stability of the Middle East. We're working with the Algerians to prevent this from happening again. I talked to a bunch of Arab leaders after the 9/11/2012 attacks. Then I talked to them some more. "We cannot afford to retreat now.""It is our responsibility to make sure they have the resources they need." The State Department has 70,000 people working in 275 locations around the world.

31:03 Hillary: There were attacks in the parking lot of the Hotel where they previously were, as well as many other locations. There were ongoing efforts to find the best place. "There were inadequacies in the response." "During most of the day, prior to getting notification on the attack in Benghazi, I was focused on the attack on our Embassy in Cairo" "I was notified of the attack shortly after 4pm." I immediately started talking to people. I ordered people to get the Libyan government to do something. I talked to Petraeus since he had people in the same area. We were going over every possible option and talking to everybody that we could talk to. It was constant talking and I talked to Obama later in the evening. While we were trying to understand we were faced with protests all over the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

37:03 Corker: "There were systemic deficiencies and I know you know that." "No one has been held accountable." "Could you mention one reform" that could have made it known to you that there were problems there.

38:14 Clinton: "I didn't see the requests."

Corker: "They did come into folks. Someone did turn them down."

Clinton: We're on the path to fix it. We want to re-allocate funds. We need more money for construction and for Marines. "Noone wants to sit where I am."

Corker: "None of the ARB's have been fully implemented."

Clinton: "The vast majority have been implemented."

Corker: "We were woefully unprepared for what happened in North Africa." Benghazi symbolizes that.

Clinton: 4 years ago, "no one" thought that Mubarrak, Qaddaffi, and others would be gone. None of us predicted this. "This is a serious threat to our country." "They don't have any real experience in running countries." "We face a serious jihadist threat."

The United Nations has launched an investigation into the use of unmanned drone strikes and targeted killings in counterterrorism operations.

The probe will investigate 25 strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan, and the Palestinian territories. It also will focus on civilian killings and injuries caused by the strikes.

British lawyer Ben Emmerson, the U.N. special envoy on counterterrorism and human rights, will carry out the probe.

Emmerson says the use of drone technology is "here to it stay," adding it is imperative that "appropriate legal and operational structures are urgently put in place to regulate its use."

Most attacks by unmanned drones have been carried out by the United States. Israel has used them and other nations have access to the technology.

Pakistan was one of three countries that requested the investigation, condemning U.S. drone strikes on targets along its border with Afghanistan. Pakistan says the strikes not only violate its sovereignty, but that collateral damage is fueling militancy in the region.

Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council Thursday approved the use of unmanned surveillance drones over eastern Congo to monitor militias. The council said the drones would be deployed on what it calls a "case by case" basis.

Last month, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asked the Council to consider using unmanned aerial systems to permit timely decision-making in dealing with M23 rebels in eastern Congo.

KABUL, Afghanistan (January 25, 2013) - Insurgents attacked an ISAF convoy with a vehicle borne improvised explosive device this morning in Tagab district, Kapisa province. At this time there are no reports of ISAF fatalities or injuries, but initial reports indicate the blast killed and injured several Afghan civilians.

"We strongly condemn this latest brutal act of violence by the insurgents," said Gen. John Allen, ISAF commander. "This attack, along with the more than 3,400 innocent civilians who died at the hands of insurgents last year, underscores that the innocent people of Afghanistan are the real victims of these senseless murders. This attack reaffirms my long held conviction that the insurgents have no respect or regard for the Afghan people."

Wali was a Taliban leader and al-Qaeda facilitator who coordinated activities between the Taliban and al-Qaeda within the province, and organized attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Dangam district. He also oversaw the movement of weapons and suicide vest components.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, today. The leader coordinated and conducted direct fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, and provided weapons and IEDs to other insurgents in the district.

In Nawah-ye Barakzai district, Helmand province, today, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader who oversaw a group of insurgents responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also procured and distributed homemade explosives and IED-making materials to insurgents operating in Nawah-ye Barakzai and Nad ‘Ali districts.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested an improvised explosive device expert in Spin Boldak district, Kandahar province, yesterday. The Taliban IED expert constructed, distributed and emplaced IEDs targeting Afghan and coalition forces. He was also helped acquire explosives, weapons and ammunition for attacks against Afghan National Directorate of Security offices in the province. During the operation, the security force also detained one suspected insurgent.

East

During a security operation in Andar district, Ghazni province, yesterday, an Afghan and coalition force killed the Taliban leader, Alaudin. Alaudin oversaw a group of insurgents responsible for conducting remote-controlled improvised explosive device and small-arms fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. Prior to his death, Alaudin was planning attacks against Afghan National Police in Ghazni province.

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent, located one weapons cache and cleared four improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Jan. 24.

Kunar ProvinceAfghan National Security Forces killed an insurgent during an engagement in Manogai District.

Afghan National Army soldiers found and safely cleared an IED in Nurgal District.

Afghan National Army soldiers also found and safely cleared an IED in Watahpur District.

Khowst ProvinceAfghan Border Police found and safely cleared an IED in Khowst District.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

The facilitator was responsible for purchasing and selling weapons to support the insurgency. He coordinated the movement of improvised explosive device materials and ammunition to insurgents operating in the district.

The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized multiple firearms as a result of the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, yesterday. The facilitator coordinated the movement of weapons and ammunition in the district for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also provided financial and logistic support for improvised explosive devices and offered a safe haven for insurgents. In addition, the security force detained one suspected insurgent and seized 45 kilograms (100 pounds) of illegal narcotics.

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” (W.Shakespeare) Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Syrian rights activists say the death toll from a suicide car bombing in the central province of Hama late Monday has risen to at least 42 people.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attack targeted a building used by pro-government militiamen in the town of Salamiyah. It said civilians were among the dead.

Syrian state news agency SANA gave a death toll of 32 people and blamed the bombing on terrorists whom it says are behind a 22-month rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad.

The Observatory also reported deadly battles between mostly Sunni anti-government rebels and minority Kurdish fighters in the northeastern town of Ras al-Ain, on the border with Turkey.

It said at least 56 fighters have been killed in a week of fighting in the area. Syria's minority Kurds have largely remained on the sidelines of the majority-Sunni led rebellion, but have long sought greater autonomy from Damascus.

The Observatory said pro-Assad troops and rebels engaged in more battles in Damascus province on Tuesday.

Dozens of Russians boarded buses from Syria to neighboring Lebanon in the first evacuation organized by Moscow since the start of the Syrian uprising in 2011.

The Russian government had sent two planes to the Lebanese capital Beirut to fly the Russians back home. Syria's main international airport outside Damascus has been largely devoid of traffic in recent weeks due to fighting along the road to the capital.

Russia is one of the few remaining international allies of Mr. Assad's government. But, it has been distancing itself from the Syrian leader, acknowledging that he may be ousted by the uprising.

Separately, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on U.N. members to send senior delegations to an international donor conference for Syria, to be held in Kuwait on January 30. He said the international community must do everything it can to help Syrians in need.

The UNHCR reported Tuesday that it is dramatically scaling up its operations for Syrian refugees. The agency says it is hard to keep pace with the increasing numbers of people fleeing Syria into neighboring countries. VoA.

By Cheryl Pellerin, AFPS, WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2013 - A Defense Department inspector general investigation into allegations of professional misconduct has cleared Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said yesterday.

In a statement, Little said Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta was pleased to learn the investigation did not substantiate the allegations and that the inspector general has closed the investigation.

On Oct. 10, President Barack Obama nominated Allen to serve as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and commander of U.S. European Command. Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, now in that position, is scheduled to retire.

In November, while Panetta was traveling in the Asia-Pacific region, the FBI referred a matter involving Allen to the Defense Department.

Panetta directed that the matter be referred to the DOD IG for investigation. He informed the chairman and ranking members of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee.

The secretary also asked the ranking members of the Senate Armed Services Committee to delay a confirmation hearing scheduled for Nov. 15 on Allen's pending NATO nomination until the matter was resolved.

On Dec. 3, the Senate confirmed Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., assistant Marine Corps commandant, as the next commander of ISAF and U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

Panetta, Little said in his statement, "has complete confidence in the continued leadership of General Allen, who is serving with distinction in Afghanistan."

Rear Admiral Troy M. Shoemaker

Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, John C. Stennis Strike Group

Rear Adm. Shoemaker, a native of St. Petersburg, Fla., graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering and was designated a Naval aviator in July 1984.

His shore assignments include tours with Light Attack Squadron 174 (VA-174), Light Attack Squadron 122 (VA-122) and Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106). He also served as aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; was assigned to Navy Personnel Command (Head of Aviation Officer Placement - PERS-433), and was the executive assistant to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In his first flag officer assignment, he was assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command for Career Management (PERS-4). He has completed the Naval War College Non-Resident Program, and is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College.

He assumed command of Carrier Strike Group 3 on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in October 2012.

Shoemaker’s personal decorations include Legion of Merit (4), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Air Medal (3) (one individual award with combat “V” and two strike/flight awards) and other personal, campaign and service ribbons.

Rear Adm. Gaouette assumed command of Carrier Strike Group Three, April 5, 2012. He most recently served as Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command. He was relieved of command during a float, following the 9/11/2012 attack on Benghazi.

Gaouette grew up in San Diego, and graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1981. He entered the Navy under the Submarine Strategic Weapons program and was commissioned at Officer Candidate School in April 1982. He is a qualified submarine officer and served as communicator in USS Gudgeon (SS 567) and combat systems officer in USS Lapon (SSN 661).

Gaouette commanded USS Oldendorf (DD 972) from 2001 through 2003. Following Oldendorf’s decommissioning, he and his crew moved to Fletcher as part of the Navy’s Sea Swap initiative. Gaouette also commanded USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) serving as sea combat commander for the Eisenhower Strike Group during its 2006 Middle East deployment as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2006, Bunker Hill received the Spokane Trophy for combat systems excellence in the Pacific Fleet. Both Oldendorf and Bunker Hill were awarded the Battle Efficiency "E" for two consecutive years under his command.

Ashore, Gaouette has served as East Team chief and executive assistant to the director of Operations and Logistics (J3/J4), United States Transportation Command and held several positions on the Navy staff.

Gaouette is a graduate of the Air War College, where he earned a concurrent master’s degree in Public Administration from Auburn University. In 2003, he was awarded the Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Award for inspirational leadership in recognition of the hard work by the crew of Oldendorf. He is the recipient of various personal decorations and unit awards.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Afghan officials say a suicide squad launched an eight-hour assault in the capital on traffic police headquarters Monday, killing three traffic police officers. Authorities say all five attackers were killed in the offensive in Kabul.

Officials say 10 people were wounded in the assault, including four police.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The assault on the police complex, located near parliament, began early Monday with a huge car bomb explosion.

Officials say three of the assailants were killed in the early part of the attack. Two other terrorists managed to get into the building and fought a gunbattle with Afghan forces.

Authorities say a NATO unit arrived on the scene, but the unit's participation in the operation was reported to have been minimal.

The insurgent attack in Kabul is the second in less than a week. On Wednesday, six Taliban militants attacked the Afghan intelligence agency in downtown Kabul, killing one guard and wounding dozens. Security forces killed all the attackers. VoA.

The facilitator acquired and delivered weapons to Haqqani fighters in the province and was directly involved in attacks against members of the Afghan Local Police and Afghan government officials.

During the operation, the security force seized weapons, ammunition and 300,000 Afghani ($5,800).

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Lashkar Gah district, Helmand province, today. The leader controlled improvised explosive device operations. Insurgents under his control constructed and emplaced IEDs and had recently begun using magnetic IEDs to target Afghan National Army vehicles. He also was responsible for directing insurgent attacks against coalition forces.

During an operation in Spin Boldak district, Kandahar province, today, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a local Taliban leader who was directly responsible for improvised explosive device attacks in the district. He oversaw IED construction, distribution and emplacement and planned high-profile attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent.

Today, Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed a Taliban leader was arrested during a security operation in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, Sunday. The leader planned and conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and facilitated the movement of improvised explosive devices, rockets, mortars, and other weapons for use in attacks in the province. During the operation, the security force also detained two suspected insurgents.

East

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained two insurgents, located one weapons cache and cleared one improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Jan. 21.

Paktika ProvinceAfghan National Security Forces detained two suspected insurgents during an operation in Alishing District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Khowst ProvinceAfghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Shamal District.

Wardak ProvinceAfghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache in Jalrayz District. The cache contained homemade explosive material, mortar rounds and fuses, rockets and a keg of gunpowder.

Former Liberian president Charles Taylor is appealing his war crimes conviction and 50-year sentence for acts of terrorism, murder, rape and recruiting child soldiers during Sierra Leone's decade-long civil war.

The U.N.-backed Special Court of Sierra Leone in The Hague began hearing two days of oral arguments Tuesday. Taylor's lawyers argued for eliminating or shortening his sentence while prosecutors push for a harsher punishment.

The court convicted Taylor in April 2012 on 11 counts, saying that while he did not command and control rebels who committed atrocities, he was aware of their activities and provided them with weapons and other supplies.

Taylor said his actions were “done with honor” to bring peace to neighboring Sierra Leone, and that without that peace “Liberia would not be able to move forward.”

Prosecutors want the court to impose an 80-year sentence on the 64-year-old Taylor.

He is the first former head of state since World War II to be convicted by an international war crimes court. VoA.

Taylor's policies caused the terms "child soldier," and "blood-diamonds" to come into the English lexicon.

Neither Taylor, or any others, have been charged, tried, or indicted for any of the war crimes and atrocities of the 15 year civil war in Liberia.

Muhibullah Jan oversaw improvised explosive device operations to include managing insurgent IED builders and emplacers, as well as, the acquisition and movement of IED materials. He led IED attack planning and operations against Afghan and coalition forces.

Malawi Noorullah was an IED facilitator and deputy in Muhibullah Jan’s IED cell. He coordinated and executed IED attacks to include leading IED emplacement operations. He also organized the transfer and delivery of IEDs to other insurgents.

The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized firearms with associated gear and ammunition as a result of the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

During an operation, Afghan and coalition security forces killed Taliban attack facilitator, Malang Mama, in Khanabad district, Kunduz province, Sunday. Malang Mama, also known as Naim Malang, was an attack facilitator involved in planning and executing improvised explosive device attacks, as well as, facilitating the movement of weapons and explosives throughout the province. The security force conducted a precision airstrike, killing both.

Four years ago, I opined on the hubris of the incoming President concerning ending a 6 decade old tradition of attending the Medal of Honor "Salute to Heroes" Inaugural Ball. This Ain't Hell had reported on the missing POTUS, through their own attendee, TSO, who was there as part of the American Legion which sponsors the ball.

The Washington Examiner reports that he will again skip the ball. I cannot say I am surprised. Well, I'm a little surprised. I know he's a smart enough politician that I thought he might learn from his previous mistake. But this time, he has nothing to lose by not attending. He can't run again. And the fact is that not attending in 2009 was forgotten by the voters in 2012 anyway. Or rather, too many voters just didn't care, even in 2009.

But, he has demonstrated an ambivalence to Our Nation's Troops and Veterans, if not antipathy. He has consistently called for cutting Our Troops, their equipment, and the budget to support their efforts. He has asked Congress to cut the National Guard and Reserve's monthly pay in half. He has attempted to charge Veterans for their service connected injury health care. He has stumped for cutting 100k Soldiers and Marines. He has told the Air Force to patch up old F-15's rather than fund next generation F-22's. The Navy is making do with fewer aircraft carriers than the mission dictates.

As to Veterans, Obama appointed the worst General of the 90's and Oughts as Secretary of the VA. Shinsucki brought his same demoralizing policies from the Army to the VA. He blindly supported the POTUS's efforts to charge Veterans, and pay for the DoD budget with the surcharges on VA Health Care paid out of the pockets of Disabled Veterans and Military Retirees. Under Shinsucki, backlogged claims skyrocketed and delays in settling them jumped to many extra months.

The number of attendees at the ball is also down, from 48 to 25 Medal of Honor recipients. They are aging and dying off. Even after 11 1/2 years of war, there have been fewer new awards than there have been previous recipients that we have lost to old age. And the physical capability of those remaining is declining.

The Citizenry failed to hold him accountable for his anti-Troop policies in his 1st 4 years, for his snubbing of Our Nation's most proven Heroes 4 years ago, and have lost their respect for Our Troops and Veterans. This Nation has not returned to the general antipathy and loathing it exhibited towards its protectors in the 70's, but it has turned away from the respect and honor it demonstrated them in the 50's and 80's. That is reflected in and amplified by in the politicians in Washington.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

The leader acted as a Taliban liaison with senior Haqqani leaders in the province and oversaw the purchase and storage of rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons and ammunition. He also facilitated the movement of suicide bombers in Kabul and was planning an attack at the time of his arrest.

The security force also detained several suspected insurgents and seized multiple grenades, weapons, and a quantity of ammunition.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a local Taliban leader in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, today. The leader planned and directed suicide attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and coordinated the movement of materials used to build suicide vests. He also provided direct financial support to the Taliban.

East

Afghan and coalition forces killed six insurgents, detained one, and located two weapons caches during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Jan. 19.

Nangarhar ProvinceAfghan Border Police killed six insurgents during an engagement in Achin District.

Afghanistan

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Ace Of Spades: Why Language MattersIn this article, Ace of Spades demonstrates how the writing style of "journalists" and other writers is purposely used to influence the electorate. He explains this far better than I have been able to do, but this is the foundation of why I could no longer be silent.